Santa Cruz Public Libraries Request for Library Print Materials

Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) No. LIB-0136 seeking to establish a pool of vendors for library print materials across Santa Cruz County and San Francisco City. The procurement aims to secure qualified firms capable of providing books, comprehensive cataloging, and processing services for library materials. Vendors must demonstrate at least five years of experience in collection development services for public libraries and possess robust capabilities including electronic ordering systems, multilingual material support, and electronic data interchange (EDI) capabilities. The RFP requires vendors to submit detailed pricing proposals for various book formats including hardcover, paperback, and large print editions, with additional services like shelf-ready cataloging and book jacket covers. Evaluation criteria will assess vendors across multiple dimensions, including technical approach, team qualifications, references, and cost, with a total possible score of 100 points. The proposal submission deadline is October 30, 2024, at 3:00 pm, with electronic submissions required through the city's e-Procurement Portal. The contract term is five years, with potential for two one-year extensions.

The RFP does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The potential contract allows for individual orders with a cumulative value up to $500,000 annually at the library's discretion. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the procurement suggests a competitive process to establish a vendor pool rather than a single-source contract. The comprehensive requirements indicate a preference for vendors with sophisticated technological infrastructure, including robust database services, customized cataloging capabilities, and dedicated customer success management. Vendors must provide extensive documentation of their technical capabilities, pricing structures, and ability to meet the libraries' diverse material needs. The procurement appears designed to create a flexible, responsive vendor ecosystem that can support the libraries' evolving collection development strategies across multiple jurisdictions.